Udupi: Hundreds of locals in Shirva staged a protest and blocked traffic near Nyarma Bridge on Thursday, demanding immediate repairs to the Panjimaru–Shirva–Pilarukana road, which they said has deteriorated over time. The demonstration was organised by the Shirva unit of the Youth Congress Committee.
Around 300 residents participated, expressing frustration with the local MLA, whom they accused of favouring certain areas for development while neglecting public infrastructure. Protesters highlighted that the MLA prioritised constructing roads to supporters’ houses rather than ensuring proper maintenance of major public roads.
Kaup Block Congress president Y Sukumar pointed out that while wet mix patchwork had begun in Panjimaru following the protest, the community wanted comprehensive repairs, not temporary fixes. Former Udupi Zilla Panchayat member Wilson Rodrigues urged the MLA to secure government grants or stage a dharna in the Assembly to ensure timely roadworks.
The protest led to a temporary traffic blockade, with residents insisting that a Public Works Department (PWD) engineer be present before vehicles were allowed to pass. Shirva police inspector Manjunath Marbad intervened, calling the PWD Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) to the site and deploying district striking force personnel to restore order and ensure smooth traffic flow.
PWD AEE Manjunath assured the protesters that ₹8 crore had already been sanctioned for roadworks in Udupi district. He stated that roadside drains would be repaired and potholes filled within a week, with asphalting scheduled for October after government funds were released. Protesters, however, insisted that repairs commence immediately or by the following day.
The protest received support from several Congress leaders, including Kaup Block Congress president Y Sukumar, District Congress Minority Unit president Sharfuddin Sheikh, and others. Shirva Rural Congress president Melwyn D’Souza welcomed the gathering and served as the master of ceremonies.